Author: Ashwini Karela
The new Sony BRAVIA 3 Series 65″ (K‑65S30B) is Sony’s latest 65-inch offering in India. It arrives with 4K resolution, the “4K HDR Processor X1”, Google TV smart platform, and support for formats like Dolby Vision. But in a crowded field of smart TVs at this size and price, how well does it hold up? Let’s dive in and see what it offers, where it shines, and where it falls short.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the 65-inch model carries the typical Sony aesthetic: minimalist bezels, flush surface design, a sturdy set of feet, and a clean rear layout. According to the official specs, the screen measures about 1,452 × 836 × 72 mm without stand. The weight (without stand) is around 20.7 kg.
The flush-surface design helps make the screen look larger in a living room environment, and the build quality appears solid for a mid-premium model. The remote control and finish are in line with what you’d expect from Sony at this segment. Overall: a good aesthetic and proper physical build.
Picture Quality & Display Performance
This TV brings a 4K (3840 × 2160) panel and support for HDR formats including HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. Smartprix+2Sony India+2 The TV uses Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1 to enhance upscaling, clarity, and colour. Sony India+1
What works well:
- The SDR colour accuracy is excellent, per lab tests, which means when you watch regular TV, streaming shows or non-HDR content, you’ll likely get very natural colours and pleasant image quality.
- The processor’s up-scaling and handling of lower-resolution content are strong points. If you have mixed content sources, that is a plus.
- The smart platform ensures ease of access to content, which complements the visual quality.
Where it’s weaker / trade-offs:
- Because it lacks local dimming (for precise back-light control) its black levels are relatively weak. As one review puts it: “The TV’s black levels are terrible… blacks look grey at all times.”
- It is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate (i.e., 4K at 60Hz) and lacks VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, which matters for gaming or ultra-smooth motion.
- Peak HDR brightness and contrast punch are modest compared to high-end models; so HDR highlights may not “pop” as dramatically.
In practice, for bright-room viewing or general streaming of movies/TV shows, this set will deliver a strong experience. But for a dedicated home-theatre setup in a dark room or for top-tier HDR impact, there are better options.
Smart Features & Connectivity
The TV runs the Google TV operating system, giving access to a wide array of apps, streaming services, voice control, built-in Chromecast & AirPlay etc. Connectivity is fairly complete with 4 HDMI ports (side mounted), 2 USB ports, WiFi (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) and eARC support for soundbars/home theatre.
The remote features quick-launch apps and voice assistance. The interface is reported to be smooth, intuitive and free from major lag. Users should be comfortable setting it up and navigating the ecosystem without too much fuss.
For everyday streaming, switching between YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and casting from mobile devices, this TV passes with flying colours. The smart experience is definitely a strength here.
Gaming & Use Case Scenarios
If you are a gamer or have a next-gen console (e.g., PS5 or Xbox Series X), your needs may push the limits of this TV. Here’s how it stacks:
- It supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming which is good.
- However, it only handles 4K at 60Hz and does not support 4K at 120Hz or VRR. That limits future-proofing for high-end gaming performance.
- The slower pixel transitions and motion handling may make fast-moving games blur or feel less smooth.
So, for casual gaming and general use (streaming, movies, shows), this TV is quite good. But for competitive gaming, high-frame-rate gaming, or HDMI 2.1 features, you may want to look a tier up.
Value & Final Verdict
The K-65S30B in India is listed at a price starting around ₹87,990 for the 65-inch model. Considering the features, quality, and brand, it offers a strong proposition — especially if you prioritise picture quality, smart features, and brand reliability.
Pros:
- Excellent colour accuracy and everyday image quality.
- Strong smart TV platform (Google TV) and connectivity features.
- Trusted brand name with decent build quality.
- Good size (65″) for family living rooms and streaming.
Cons:
- Black levels and contrast are weak compared to premium models.
- Lacks high refresh rate/VRR for advanced gaming.
- HDR brightness and impact are not top-tier.
Verdict:
If you want a good all-round 65-inch smart 4K TV from a premium brand, and your content is mostly streaming, movies and everyday entertainment — this is a solid choice. Just be aware of its limitations: if you’re in a dark-room home theatre scenario, or demand ultra-high gaming performance, you might want to look higher. For the mainstream buyer, this model hits the sweet spot fairly well.
Last words
In my view: buy the Sony BRAVIA 3 Series 65″ (K-65S30B) if your priority is a reliable, good-looking large screen smart TV with solid everyday performance and streaming features. Wait or spend a bit more if your priority is deep blacks, ultra-vivid HDR or console-level gaming capabilities.
